ATLANTA, May 14, 2012 – As friends and family gather for picnics and holiday celebrations over Memorial Day weekend, take some time to honor those who fought on American soil. Georgia is home to many significant historical battlefields and forts that have been meticulously preserved. A visit to a fort is a great way to teach the kids about our country’s rich history and honor those who have fallen. Below are some suggested day trips to forts and museums across Georgia.

Fort King George State Historic Site, Darien
From 1721 until 1736, this fort was the southern outpost of the British Empire in North America. Climb into the reconstructed cypress blockhouse, explore the palisaded earthen fort and tabby ruins, tour the museum and hike a short nature trail. Admission is $3.75-$6.50. For those wishing to take a mini staycation while in the area, campsites are found nearby at Fort McAllister and Skidaway Island state parks.

Fort McAllister State Historic Park, Richmond Hill
This is the best-preserved earthwork fortification of the Confederacy and the end of General Sherman's March to the Sea. Recently, an original 1864 flag which flew above the fort was returned to Georgia and mounted in the museum. On Saturday, May 26 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., the fort will feature a special program about Confederate soldiers, as well as musket and cannon firings. Admission is $3.50-$6.50. Nestled among giant live oaks, Spanish moss and salt marsh, this park is also a great place to visit for camping, hiking, fishing, boating and picnicking. It offers three cottages and 65 campsites.

Fort Morris State Historic Site, Midway
This earthen fort on the Medway River protected Georgia against the British in both the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812. A museum describes the colonial port of Sunbury, and a nature trail and picnic sites are available. On Memorial Day, the fort will feature hourly Revolutionary War soldier talks and musket and cannon demonstrations from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Admission is $3-$4.50. For those wishing to take a mini staycation while in the area, campsites are available at nearby Fort McAllister and Skidaway Island.

Pickett's Mill Battlefield State Historic Site, Dallas
Pickett's Mill is one of the best-preserved Civil War battlefields in the nation, highlighted with a museum, earthworks and wooded trails. The 1864 battle was one of the few Confederate victories during General Sherman's Georgia campaign. Admission is $3-$5. For those wishing to take a mini staycation while in the area, campsites and cabins are available at nearby Red Top Mountain State Park.

A.H. Stephens State Historic Park, Crawfordville
Liberty Hall, the 1875 home of the Confederate Vice President, is fully furnished and open for tours. A museum houses one of the finest collections of Civil War artifacts in Georgia. Families can also enjoy geocaching, fishing, hiking and boating at the park. The park features 22 campsites and 4 cottages.

Georgia Veterans State Park, Cordele
Established as a memorial to U.S. veterans, this park features a museum with aircraft (including a Boeing B-29A), armored vehicles, uniforms, weapons, medals and other items from the Revolutionary War through the Gulf War. Park visitors can also enjoy camping, cabins, Lake Blackshear Resort, golf and boating.

About Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites

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Georgia’s state parks and historic sites are operated by the Department of Natural Resources and offer pristine natural beauty from coastal marshes and midland swamps to piedmont plains and breathtaking mountains. For more information, including a full list of parks and accommodations, visit www.GeorgiaStateParks.org. Keep up with the latest news by finding them on Facebook and Twitter.